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TheLotto Elite Hot 100 lists are published each month, and the June Hot 100 lists feature the 100 boys and girls who most improved their rankings during the month of May. You can find out more about the Lotto Elite Hot 100 - and how the lists are calculated - by reading here.

The latest lists are available here:

• Boys' Hot 100
• Girls' Hot 100

We talked to some of the top performers:

Chadwick Anderson (Rochester Hills, Michigan)

Chadwick Anderson (WTN: 21.3) climbed 56 slots in the Tennis Recruiting Network boys rankings from 184th to No. 126.

The 6-foot right-handed three star posted an 8-2 record in the process. Anderson went undefeated in singles at the L4 Boys 18s Court One Memorial Day Dominant Duo at Okemos, Michigan. Anderson advanced to the singles semifinals and went on to take third place. He also made the singles consolation final at the L2 event held in Kansas City, Missouri.

Three-Star Senior Chadwick Anderson
© Contributed Photo

“I credit my improved play last month on how hard I’ve been working,” said Anderson, a rising senior at Rochester High School. “I started increasing my on-court and off-court intensity about a year ago. I have been working harder and practicing every chance I get. I also started playing more aggressively and taking more high-percentage chances, mostly on my forehand side.

“I also heavily credit my friends I’ve been practicing with. I hit with a friend, Andrew Vincler (Rochester, Michigan), who pushes me hard every time we play. Another thing is I have been working on strategies in matches and game plans - how to play points and get better shot selection in every point.”

Anderson is coached by Steve Herdoiza of Franklin Athletic Club in Southfield, Michigan, and Clarence Boyd at Wessen Indoor Tennis Club in Pontiac, Michigan. The coaches are working with Anderson on his backhand, trying to get more pressure when the ball is outside of his strike zone. Anderson is also focusing on getting more free points on his first serve, along with closing the net and finishing points.

“I would describe my game as all around,” Anderson said. “I feel more comfortable being aggressive on my forehand and volley. I also feel one one of my best shots is my return. I feel most comfortable returning most serves and I get lots of breaks in matches. I typically don’t miss a lot of shots, and can hit big forehands when I get a chance to.

“About a year ago, I started taking my diet very seriously, while also starting to do off-court lifting. Another thing that could set me apart from other players is my discipline and love for tennis. Every day I crave playing tennis. I also have my dad and my brother, which I feel is a secret advantage. They both know so much about the sport and always push me to get better every day.”

His dad, Greg Anderson, played college tennis at Butler University. His 19-year-old brother, Clayton, just finished his freshman year competing for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The younger Anderson became interested in tennis watching his dad play in USTA leagues. He said his dad passed on the love of the game to him and his brother. Anderson’s mom is Jennifer Anderson.

“Coaches are really going to like the runaway of his game, his coachability, and his passion for his team,” Anderson’s parents said. “He has all the right foundation and tools to continue to get better for years. He is very close with his coaches and listens to advice. He also really enjoys playing on his high school team. He is now a captain and is really enjoying stepping up into that role.”

As a member of the Rochester Falcons, Anderson has been state No. 1 singles runner-up in Division 1 singles of the Michigan High School State Athletic Association. He also has earned all-state accolades three times during his high school career.

Academically, Anderson maintains a 3.6 grade-point average. He has become increasingly interested in the field of business and finance.

“Playing college tennis has always been a dream for me,” Anderson said. “I would love to find the fit where I can keep improving in tennis, contribute to my team, and do great in my academics.”

Malea Diehn (Rochester, Minnesota)

Malea Diehn (WTN: 25.2) now stands at No. 188 in the Tennis Recruiting Network girls rankings, climbing from the 233rd slot.

The 5-foot-10 right-handed three star posted a 7-2 record and won an 18s L4 tournament along the way. Diehn captured the singles title at the Baseline Tennis Center May Girls Championship in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She also won the doubles championship, teaming up with Aoife Loftus (Rochester).

Three-Star Junior Malea Diehn
© Contributed Photo

“I’ve put a lot of time and hard work on the practice court and in the gym,” said Diehn, a rising junior at Mayo High School in Rochester. “The spring season has been less tournament heavy than the winter, so I’ve been able to focus more on specific parts of my game with the longer breaks between matches. In the past few months, I’ve started playing more 18s tournaments and have gotten great competition. It’s really motivating for me to play against high-quality opponents, and I love the opportunity to compete with them.”

Diehn’s primary coaches are Steve Tacl and Nick Crossley of the Rochester Athletic Club. Her fitness trainer is Chris Zink. Diehn is working with her coaches on effective point construction, shot variety, and defensive skills.

“I would currently describe myself as a mix between an aggressive baseliner and an all-court player,” Diehn said. “I like to step into shots at the baseline and dictate points with my groundstrokes. I also look for opportunities to come forward and win points with my skills at the net. Another strength is my mental game. I love competing and I stay calm under pressure.

“I just really appreciate every person who has played a role in my journey so far. I want to give back to the tennis community. I’ve volunteered during the summer camps and taught young children. This summer, I’m working as an assistant coach for the kids, and I very much enjoy being able to share my love for the game with other people.”

Diehn has been a member of the Mayo High School tennis team since the seventh grade. Mayo won the Minnesota State High School League Team Championship in 2023 and 2024. Individually, Diehn won the state doubles title in 2023 and finished third in 2024. She also has been an all-conference selection. Additionally, Diehn will be a co-captain of the team.

She credits her coach, Jeff Demaray, for the team’s success. Diehn added he “creates a supportive environment for everyone.”

In the classroom, Diehn maintains a weighted grade-point average of 4.6 She is a member of the Mayo Honor Society and takes Advanced Placement and honors classes.

“I am looking forward to playing in college,” Diehn said. “Assembling different colleges and tennis programs will be a priority this summer. In terms of schools, I’m looking for a college or university with a strong STEM program, as that is what I hope to study. I’m looking to go into the medical field, and have spent many hours volunteering at the Mayo Clinic in hospital patient care. Regarding the tennis program, I want to go to a school with a positive team environment, including great coaches and teammates to push and support me.”

Her parents, Charie and Felix Diehn, are both pleased with her competitive drive and mature attitude.

“Malea is embracing the concept of playing with patient aggression, trying to dictate and take risks, but at the correct times,” Diehn’s parents said. “She forgives herself for mistakes and tries to learn from them. Malea has always been one to trust in the process of player development, but recently has gained considerable confidence from her results. She finds tremendous joy in challenging herself in matches against strong competition.”

Jackson Nichols (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina)

Jackson Nichols (WTN: 24.7) jumped 90 positions from 448th to No. 358 in the Tennis Recruiting Network boys rankings.

The 5-foot-9 right-handed two star produced a recent singles record of 7-4. Nichols reached the main draw quarterfinals of the L5 LTP Daniel Island Tennis Center 18s event in Charleston, South Carolina, and advanced to the consolation semifinals.

Two-Star Senior Jackson Nichols
© Contributed Photo

Earlier, in the L4 Palmetto Championships in Belton, South Carolina, Nichols lost in the round of 16. But he battled back to the consolation quarterfinals.

“Recently, I have had some notable wins, many of which have been against some of the highest ranked players I have faced,” said Nichols, a rising senior at Oceanside Collegiate Academy in Mount Pleasant. “In these matches, overcoming adversity and being able to adapt to my opponent’s changes in play style have been a huge factor in my success. Traveling all over to play tournaments, and being able to adjust to the different types of surfaces and conditions, is another part of the successes I have been seeing in the past few months.”

Nichols was born in Encinitas, California, and moved to Costa Rica at the age of 4. He lived in Costa Rica until the age of 13, when he moved to Charleston in 2019.

Nichols trains at the LTP Academy in Charleston. He works with a number of coaches, including his private coach, Randy Pate. Nichols’ training regimen includes working on moving to the front court and finishing points faster. He said it is a “useful skill because it prevents points from dragging on longer than they should.”

“My game is primarily played from the baseline,” Nichols said. “I love to get as many forehands as possible, and stay big inside-and-out until I can get a short ball and move forward. I would say that my most important strengths are my physical endurance and court coverage.

“My work ethic and ability to make the best of difficult situations has helped me in countless circumstances, on and off the court. I think my experience in playing in Costa Rica also set up a strong foundation for handling new and changing situations.”

He is a key member of the Oceanside Landsharks tennis team, which has won five consecutive South Carolina High School League Class 3A Championships. Individually, Nichols has advanced to the state singles semifinals. During his freshman year, Nichols studied online.

Academically, Nichols has been invited to the National Honor Society for Oceanside and Trident Tech College. He has also qualified for the honor roll throughout his high school career.

“I am very interested in college,” Nichols said. “Both of my parents went to TCU, so I am a Frogs fan at heart. Ultimately, I would like to go to a school with a good academic program, but also a good tennis team. I would prefer the school to be somewhat close to the ocean, but I’m open to new locations.

“I am interested in majoring in international business. I find it interesting and I am bilingual. It leaves me with greater options for my future career path. In my tennis program, I am looking for a supportive and uplifting team that is willing to have fun on and off the court while working hard so the team can improve and succeed as a whole.”

Nichols’ parents, Anne and Scott Nichols, are proud of their son’s work ethic.

“Jackson is an extremely hard worker on and off the court,” they said. “His calm demeanor helps him in tough matches. He has been working hard on learning from wins and losses. In the last month, he put a hyper focus on improving his game in specific areas, setting goals to reach, and increasing match play.

“Jackson’s drive and athleticism serve him well. He is very solid when on offense and defense with good speed to cover the court. He has a variety of shots that make him a tough opponent to play.”

Laurel Slechter (La Grange, Kentucky)

Laurel Slechter (WTN: 25.4) moved up to No. 250 in the Tennis Recruiting Network girls rankings from the 288th slot.

The 5-foot-9 right-handed three star posted a recent 6-2 singles record. In the L5 Hinsdale (Illinois) 18s tournament, Slechter advanced to the main draw semifinals and went on to take third place. Later, Slechter took three of four singles matchups at the L4 Court One Dominant Duo at Okemos, Michigan.

Three-Star Senior Laurel Slechter
© Contributed Photo

“Over the past few months, I have been focusing on the mental aspect of the game,” said Slechter, a rising senior at Oldham County High School. “I have been doing a significantly better job of dealing with pressure and maintaining a more relaxed mindset and fluid movement. Along with this, I stepped up my training by competing against older and higher-ranked opponents.”

Slechter trains at the Louisville Tennis Club under Roberto Aspillaga. The two are working on attacking with the forehand and moving to the net. They are doing numerous drills to focus on winning points in that manner. Slechter also is working on taking the forehand on the rise in order to control the point offensively.

“I rely on my speed and athleticism,” Slechter said. “I have a powerful serve and forehand. Lately, I have been mixing up strong forehands and backhands with slices and drop shots. This has helped me keep my opponents off balance. I also win a lot of points on defense, as I do my best to keep the point going and not give up on balls.

“My physicality and strength distinguish me from other players. My dedication to strength and conditioning has really helped my service game.”

Slechter played for her high school team and made it to the state semifinals while earning all-state honors. She also was a region champion.

Academically, Slechter finished her junior year with a 4.1 grade-point average. She is a member of the National Honor Society and takes Advanced Placement classes. Slechter is also a student council representative for Oldham County High School.

“I definitely want to play college tennis,” Slechter said. “I want to be part of a team where the girls are close and support each other. I also want to go to a strong academic school that has a good campus life. I am learning how important it is to have a good fit with the coach as well.”

Slechter said she started in tennis eight years ago because of a family friend who played college tennis. She took up the game by playing with the friend’s daughter. Prior to this, Slechter concentrated on basketball but gave it up for the sport of tennis.

Her parents, Meredith and Mat Slechter, said their daughter is definitely dedicated to tennis, in a big way.

“Laurel is extremely driven,” Slechter’s parents said. “While sometimes she has struggled with being too hard on herself, her dedication and love of the game have contributed to her success. Her athleticism and strength also make her unique and are instantly recognizable. She is blessed with a great coach and a group of friends that are not only good athletes, but good kids that have become some of her closest friends.”

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This is why we wanted to partner with the Hot 100 list. We believe this group of players embody what it means to be Elite. Whether you're a 2-star or Blue Chip recruit, being on this list means you put yourself out there, went for it, and accomplished a goal. Keep Grinding.

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About James Hill

James Hill is the Assistant Sports Information Director at Trinity University in San Antonio and a freelance writer. He has covered all levels of tennis competition.